Buddhist temple
Myōken-ji
妙顕寺（みょうけんじ）
Kamigyō Ward, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture
A head temple (daihonzan) of the Nichiren-shū, regarded as the first training place of the Lotus Sutra opened in the capital, Kyoto. In its Great Main Hall, images of Nichiren Shōnin, Nichizō Shōnin and others are enshrined together with the Ittō Ryōson Shishi.
English pages are the site’s own translations of its Japanese pages. The sources cited are in Japanese. 日本語で読む
Prayers associated with this place
In the Great Main Hall: the Ittō Ryōson Shishi and images of Nichiren Daibosatsu, Nichirō Bosatsu, Nichizō Bosatsu and Daikaku Daisōjō (in the official wording)
History and things to know
According to temple tradition, it was built in Genkō 1 (1321) by Nichizō Shōnin, who had been entrusted by Nichiren Shōnin with spreading the teaching in Kyoto. In Kenmu 1 (1334) it received an imperial decree from Emperor Go-Daigo making it an imperial prayer temple, and later it moved to its present site by order of Toyotomi Hideyoshi. Many of its buildings were lost in the great fire of Tenmei 8 (1788), after which the Great Main Hall and other buildings were rebuilt.
Introduced by this site, based on materials from the shrine or temple and public bodies.
Related kami and buddhas
Before you visit
Opening hours, access, areas open to visitors, and events can change. Please check the latest guidance from the shrine or temple itself before you go.
Official website of the shrine or temple (may be in Japanese)
Sources (in Japanese)
- 妙顕寺「御祭神・御本尊・由緒の公式案内」（2026-10-22 確認）
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